U.S. patent application number 15/368839 was filed with the patent office on 2018-06-07 for track-based accessory system for use with a golf cart.
The applicant listed for this patent is Nivel Parts & Manufacturing Co., LLC. Invention is credited to Cody Baggett, Bryan Gulledge, Eric R. Schneider.
Application Number | 20180156381 15/368839 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62242995 |
Filed Date | 2018-06-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180156381 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gulledge; Bryan ; et
al. |
June 7, 2018 |
TRACK-BASED ACCESSORY SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A GOLF CART
Abstract
Aspects of the invention relate to a track-based accessory
system. The track-based accessory system may be for use with a golf
cart. The track-based accessory system may include two elongated
members. Each elongated member may be configured to be attached to
a golf cart. Each elongated member may include an enclosure track.
Each elongated member may also include an accessory track. Each
enclosure track may include an enclosure slot. Each enclosure slot
may be configured to engage a golf cart enclosure. Each accessory
track may include a keyway. Each keyway may be configured to engage
at least one accessory.
Inventors: |
Gulledge; Bryan;
(Kannapolis, NC) ; Schneider; Eric R.; (Tampa,
FL) ; Baggett; Cody; (Tallahassee, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Nivel Parts & Manufacturing Co., LLC |
Jacksonville |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
62242995 |
Appl. No.: |
15/368839 |
Filed: |
December 5, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60Q 3/267 20170201;
B60J 7/10 20130101; B60N 3/026 20130101; B60Q 1/323 20130101; B60Q
3/74 20170201 |
International
Class: |
F16M 13/02 20060101
F16M013/02; B62D 25/06 20060101 B62D025/06; B60J 1/02 20060101
B60J001/02; B60J 3/00 20060101 B60J003/00; B60N 3/02 20060101
B60N003/02; B60Q 1/00 20060101 B60Q001/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for supporting a valance, a golf cart enclosure and
at least one accessory, the apparatus comprising: a metal fixture
configured to be attached to a golf cart, the metal fixture
comprising: a first track; a second track; and a third track;
wherein: the first track includes a first slot that is configured
to maintain the valance in a first position; the second track
includes a second slot that is configured to maintain the golf cart
enclosure in a second position; the third track includes a third
slot that is configured to maintain the at least one accessory in a
third position.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first slot is rounded.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second slot is
rounded.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the third slot is
rectangular.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one accessory
comprises a handle.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one accessory
comprises a light.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first slot, the second
slot and the third slot open in the same direction.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the valance, the golf cart
enclosure and the at least one accessory are removably engaged with
the first, second and third track, respectively.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first track and the second
track are configured to mate with beads affixed to the valance and
the golf cart enclosure, respectively.
10. A track-based accessory system for use with a golf cart, the
track-based system comprising: a metal fixture configured to be
attached to a golf cart, the metal fixture comprising: two short
elongated members for use in the front and back of the golf cart,
wherein each short elongated member comprises: an enclosure track;
an accessory track; and two ends; two long elongated members for
use on the two sides of the golf cart, wherein each long elongated
member comprises: an enclosure track; an accessory track; and two
ends; four corner members, wherein each corner member is configured
to extend into: one end of one of the long elongated members; and
one end of one of the short elongated members; wherein: each
enclosure track includes an enclosure slot that is configured to
engage the golf cart enclosure; and each accessory track includes a
keyway that is configured to engage the at least one accessory.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein each short elongated member and
each long elongated member further comprises a valance track.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein each valance track includes a
valance slot.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the valance slot is configured
to engage a valance.
14. The system of claim 10, wherein the accessory is hanging.
15. The system of claim 10, wherein the extruded metal fixture is
configured to support a golf cart roof.
16. The system of claim 10, wherein the extruded metal fixture is
constructed from aluminum.
17. A track-based accessory system for use with a golf cart, the
track-based system comprising: two elongated members configured to
be attached to a golf cart, wherein each elongated member
comprises: an enclosure track; and an accessory track; wherein:
each enclosure track includes an enclosure slot that is configured
to engage a golf cart enclosure; and each accessory track includes
an keyway that is configured to engage at least one accessory.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein each elongated member further
comprises a valance track.
19. The system of claim 17, wherein each valance track includes a
valance slot.
20. The system of claim 17, wherein the valance slot is configured
to engage a valance.
21. The system of claim 17, wherein the at least one accessory is
hanging.
22. The system of claim 17, wherein the two elongated members are
configured to support a golf cart roof.
23. The system of claim 17, wherein the two elongated members are
constructed from aluminum.
24. The system of claim 17, wherein the enclosure slot is
configured to mate with a rounded bead on the golf cart
enclosure.
25. The system of claim 17, wherein the keyway is configured to
mate with a rectangular key on the at least one accessory.
Description
FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY
[0001] This invention relates to golf carts. More specifically,
this invention relates to accessory systems for golf carts.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] Conventionally, golf cart enclosures and golf cart valances
were hung from mounting devices on top of golf carts. In certain
legacy systems, one or two tracks were included in the mounting
devices. In certain instances, a first track was designed to hold a
golf cart enclosure. A second track was designed to hold a golf
cart valance. Typically, the golf cart valance hung on top of the
golf cart enclosure so the golf cart valance, which was primarily
for decorative purposes, was viewable from the outside of the
cart.
[0003] A golf cart user may also desire to hang accessories in the
golf cart. It would therefore be desirable to incorporate an
accessory track into the mounting devices.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] A track-based accessory system for use with a golf cart is
provided. The track-based accessory system may support a valance.
The track-based accessory system may also support a golf cart
enclosure. The track-based accessory system may also support one or
more accessories.
[0005] The track-based accessory system may include a metal fixture
or other suitable material such as plastic. The metal fixture may
be, preferably, an extruded metal fixture. The metal fixture may
extend from the golf cart. The metal fixture may be configured to
be attached to a golf cart. The metal fixture may include one or
more elongated members. The metal fixture may also include corner
members. In certain embodiments, the corner members may join two
elongated members together. The metal fixture may include any other
suitable mounting hardware. Each elongated member may include a
first track, a second track and a third track. Each elongated
member may include any other suitable number of tracks.
[0006] The first track may include a first slot. The first slot may
be configured to maintain the valance in a first position. The
second track may include a second slot. The second slot may be
configured to maintain the golf cart enclosure in a second
position. The third track may include a keyway. The keyway may be
configured to maintain one or more accessories in a third
position.
[0007] In certain embodiments, the housing associated with the
first slot may be rounded. The housing may be configured to mate
with a bead attached to a valance or golf cart enclosure. The bead
may be a rounded bead. The housing may open, along its length, at
one or more openings. The opening(s) may enable a bead to be
inserted into the housing. The opening may also enable the beaded
valance or golf cart enclosure to continue through the opening. In
certain embodiments, the opening may be large enough to enable a
bead to snap into the housing. The opening may be small enough to
ensure that a bead inserted into the housing is maintained within
the housing and does not disengage from the housing without a
pre-determined quantum of effort or range of effort.
[0008] In certain embodiments, the housing associated with the
second slot may also be rounded. The housing may be configured to
mate with a bead included on a valance or golf cart enclosure. The
bead may be a rounded bead. The housing may open, along its length,
at one or more openings. The opening(s) may enable a bead to be
inserted into the housing. The opening may also enable the attached
valance or golf cart enclosure to continue through the opening. In
certain embodiments, the opening may be large enough to enable a
bead to snap into the housing. The opening may be small enough to
ensure that a bead inserted into the housing is maintained within
the housing and does not disengage from the housing without
effort.
[0009] In certain embodiments, the keyway may be rectangular or
other suitable shape. The keyway may be configured to mate with a
key included on an accessory. The key may be rectangular shaped.
The keyway may open at an opening. The opening may enable the key
of the accessory to be connected to the remainder of the
accessory.
[0010] In some embodiments, the keyway may be triangular, circular,
hexagonal or any other suitable geometric shape. In these
embodiments, a key, included on an accessory, may preferably match
the shape of the keyway.
[0011] In certain embodiments, the accessory may include a handle.
The handle may be connected to a key. The key may be rectangular.
The key may mate with a rectangular keyway. The handle may enable a
driver or passenger of the golf cart to grasp onto the handle,
thereby stabilizing the user, upon entry, exit or transport
therein, with respect to the roof on the golf cart. Grasping onto
the handle of the golf cart may also stabilize the passenger and/or
driver of the golf cart while getting on or off of the golf
cart.
[0012] In some embodiments, the accessory may include a light. The
light may be attached to a key. The key may be rectangular. The key
may mate with a rectangular keyway. The light may enable a golf
cart user to better view the interior and/or exterior of the golf
cart. The light may also be used as decorative lights. The light
may be an LED light bank. The light may be an OLED light bank. The
light may be a conventional light bulb. The light may include a
switch. The switch may enable a user to power on and power off the
light. The light may be electronically coupled, either by wired or
wireless coupling to an electrical system of the vehicle.
Accordingly, the light may be turned on or off from a power switch
located alongside controls of the vehicle.
[0013] In certain embodiments, the first slot, the second slot and
the keyway may open in the same direction. In other embodiments,
the first slot, the second slot and the keyway may open in one or
more directions.
[0014] In certain embodiments, the valance may be removably engaged
to the first track. The valance may be engaged in the first track.
In certain embodiments, the valance may not be permanently engaged
in the first track. Rather, the valance may be maintained in the
first track until a user desires to remove the valance or change
the position of the valance.
[0015] In certain embodiments, the golf cart enclosure may be
removably engaged to the second track. In certain embodiments, the
golf cart enclosure may not be permanently engaged in the second
track. Rather, the golf cart enclosure may be maintained in the
second track until a user desires to remove the golf cart enclosure
or change the position of the golf cart enclosure.
[0016] In certain embodiments, an accessory may be removably
engaged to the third track. In some embodiments, the accessory may
not be permanently engaged in the third track. Rather, the
accessory may be maintained in the third track until a user desires
to remove the accessory or change the position of the third
accessory.
[0017] In certain embodiments, the first track is configured to
mate with an elongated plastic bead affixed to the valance. In
certain embodiments the second track is configured to mate with an
elongated plastic bead affixed to the golf cart enclosure.
[0018] In certain embodiments, the accessory and/or the valance may
be attached to the golf cart enclosure using Velcro.TM. or any
other suitable attachment device. This may enable the accessory
and/or the valance to be removably engaged with the golf cart
enclosure without requiring the additional tracks of the metal
fixture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent
upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference
characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a prior art portion of a golf cart;
[0021] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a golf cart according to
certain embodiments;
[0022] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a metal fixture according
to certain embodiments;
[0023] FIG. 4 shows a top view of a metal fixture according to
certain embodiments;
[0024] FIG. 5 shows a side view of a metal fixture according to
certain embodiments;
[0025] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an elongated member
according to certain embodiments;
[0026] FIG. 7 shows another perspective view of an elongated member
according to certain embodiments;
[0027] FIG. 8 shows yet another perspective view of an elongated
member according to certain embodiments;
[0028] FIG. 9 shows a top view of a corner member according to
certain embodiments;
[0029] FIG. 10 shows a top perspective view of a corner member
according to certain embodiments;
[0030] FIG. 11 shows a bottom perspective view of a corner member
according to certain embodiments;
[0031] FIG. 12 shows a side view of a corner member according to
certain embodiments;
[0032] FIG. 13 shows another side view of a corner member according
to certain embodiments;
[0033] FIG. 14 shows a bottom perspective view of a corner member
inserted into two elongated members according to certain
embodiments;
[0034] FIG. 15 shows a top perspective view of a corner member
inserted into two elongated members according to certain
embodiments;
[0035] FIG. 16 shows an exploded view of a corner member and two
elongated members according to certain embodiments;
[0036] FIG. 17 shows a cutaway view of an elongated member
according to certain embodiments;
[0037] FIG. 18A shows a perspective view of a handle according to
certain embodiments;
[0038] FIG. 18B shows a cutaway view of the handle shown in FIG.
18A according to certain embodiments;
[0039] FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of another handle according
to certain embodiments;
[0040] FIG. 20A shows a perspective view of an LED light according
to certain embodiments;
[0041] FIG. 20B shows another view of the LED light shown in FIG.
20A according to certain embodiments;
[0042] FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of a handle being inserted
into an elongated member according to certain embodiments;
[0043] FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of a handle fully inserted
into an elongated member according to certain embodiments;
[0044] FIG. 23 shows a cutaway view of an elongated member
according to certain embodiments;
[0045] FIG. 24 shows a top view of a corner member according to
certain embodiments;
[0046] FIG. 25 shows a side view of a corner member inserted into
an elongated member according to certain embodiments;
[0047] FIG. 26 shows a side view of an elongated member according
to certain embodiments;
[0048] FIG. 27 shows a side view of another elongated member
according to certain embodiments; and
[0049] FIG. 28 shows a top view of a metal fixture according to
certain embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0050] A track-based accessory system may be provided. The system
may be for use with a golf cart. The track-based system may include
a metal fixture. The metal fixture may extrude from the golf cart.
The metal fixture may be constructed of aluminum or any other
suitable metal material or combination of elements or
materials.
[0051] The metal fixture may be configured to be attached to a golf
cart. The metal fixture may be attached to a golf cart, and/or
fixed in place on a golf cart, with screws, hex-bolts, adhesive or
any other suitable attachment means. The metal fixture, which may
include multiple elongated members, may include two short elongated
members. The metal fixture may also include two long elongated
members.
[0052] In certain embodiments, the metal fixture may be configured
to support, in whole or in part, a golf cart roof.
[0053] The two short elongated members may be for use in the front
and back of the golf cart. Each short elongated member may include
an enclosure track. Each short elongated member may also include an
accessory track. Each short elongated member may also include two
ends.
[0054] The metal fixture may also include two long elongated
members. The two long elongated members may be for use on the two
sides of the golf cart. Each long elongated member may include an
enclosure track. Each long elongated member may also include an
accessory track. Each long elongated member may also include a
cavity.
[0055] The metal fixture may also include one or more corner
members. Each corner member may be configured to extend into the
cavity on one of the long elongated members. Each corner member may
also be configured to extend into the cavity on one of the short
elongated members. Each corner member may be shaped in a rounded
manner. Each corner member may also be shaped in an "L-shaped"
manner. In some embodiments, there may be four corner members
included in the metal fixture.
[0056] It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, one of
two of the elongated members may include an accessory track. In
these embodiments, other elongated members may include a valance
and an enclosure track but not an accessory track. It should also
be appreciated that, in some embodiments, only one or two elongated
members may be used.
[0057] Each enclosure track may include an enclosure slot. The
enclosure slot may be configured to engage the golf cart enclosure.
Each accessory track may also include a keyway. The keyway may be
configured to engage a key included on the at least one accessory.
In certain embodiments, the accessory may hang from the slots.
[0058] Each elongated member may also include a valance track. The
valance track may include a valance slot. The valance slot may be
configured to engage the valance.
[0059] In certain embodiments, the accessory may include a handle.
The handle may enable a driver or passenger of the golf cart to
grasp onto the handle, thereby stabilizing the user with respect to
the roof on the golf cart. Grasping onto the handle of the golf
cart may stabilize the passenger and/or driver of the golf cart
while getting on or off of the golf cart. Grasping onto the handle
may also stabilize the passenger during transport.
[0060] In some embodiments, the accessory may include one or more
lights. The lights may illuminate the golf cart interior. The
lights may also illuminate the exterior of the golf cart. In some
embodiments, the lights may turn on automatically based on states
of outdoor visibility, changes of states of outdoor visibility,
time of day or based on any other suitable cause or trigger.
[0061] Apparatus and methods described herein are illustrative.
Apparatus and methods in accordance with this disclosure will now
be described in connection with the figures, which form a part
hereof. The figures show illustrative features of apparatus and
method steps in accordance with the principles of this disclosure.
It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and
that structural, functional and procedural modifications may be
made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present
disclosure.
[0062] The steps of methods may be performed in an order other than
the order shown and/or described herein. Embodiments may omit steps
shown and/or described in connection with illustrative methods.
Embodiments may include steps that are neither shown nor described
in connection with illustrative methods.
[0063] Illustrative method steps may be combined. For example, an
illustrative method may include steps shown in connection with
another illustrative method.
[0064] Apparatus may omit features shown and/or described in
connection with illustrative apparatus. Embodiments may include
features that are neither shown nor described in connection with
the illustrative apparatus. Features of illustrative apparatus may
be combined. For example, an illustrative embodiment may include
features shown in connection with another illustrative
embodiment.
[0065] FIG. 1 shows a portion of prior art golf cart 100. Golf cart
100 includes track 102. Track 102 includes housing 104. Track 102
also includes housing 106. Housing 104 is configured to mate with a
bead attached to golf cart enclosure 108. Housing 106 is configured
to mate with bead 114 which is attached to golf cart valance 110.
Golf cart valance 110 may be attached to bead 114 with stitches or
bonding 112.
[0066] FIG. 2 shows golf cart 200. Golf cart 200 may include poles
202, 204, 206 and 208. Poles 202, 204, 206 and 208 may support roof
210. Golf cart 200 may also include metal fixture 212. Metal
fixture 212 may include elongated member 214. Elongated member 214
may be attached to the portion of roof 210 which is distal with
respect to the interior of the golf cart from a line in between
poles 202 and 208. Metal fixture 212 may include elongated member
216. Elongated member 212 may be attached to the portion of roof
210 which is distal with respect to the interior of the golf cart
from a line in between poles 202 and 204. It should be appreciated
that elongated member 212 may be shorter than elongated member 214.
This may be because the distance between poles 202 and 204 may be
shorter than the distance between 202 and 208. An additional
elongated member (not shown) may be attached to the portion of roof
210 which is distal with respect to the interior of the golf cart
from a line in between poles 204 and 206. Another additional
elongated member (not shown) may be attached to the portion of roof
210 which is distal with respect to the interior of the golf cart
from a line in between poles 206 and 208.
[0067] Metal fixture 212 may also include corner members 218, 220
and 222. Corner members 218, 220 and 222 may be rounded. Corner
member 220 may join elongated member 216 to elongated member 214.
Corner member 218 may join elongated member 214 to another
elongated member (not shown). Corner member 222 may join elongated
member 216 to another elongated member (no shown).
[0068] Golf cart 200 may also include accessory 224. Accessory 224
may be engaged in elongated member 214.
[0069] In some embodiments, elongated members and corner members
could be mounted on the roof. In some embodiments, elongated
members and corner members could serve as a roof support--i.e., the
only points of attachment between the roof and the golf cart may be
located on the metal fixture. Such points of attachment may include
tracks for mounting the roof on the top side of the metal
fixture.
[0070] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of metal fixture 212. Metal
fixture 212 may include elongated members 214 and 216, as shown in
FIG. 2. Metal fixture 212 may also include elongated members 302
and 306, as discussed in FIG. 2 but not shown. Elongated member 214
may be joined to elongated member 216 with corner member 220, as
shown in FIG. 2. Elongated member 214 may be joined to elongated
member 306 with corner member 218. Elongated member 306 may be
joined to elongated member 302 with corner member 304. Elongated
member 302 may be joined to elongated member 216 with corner member
222. It should be appreciated that elongated members 302 and 214
may be longer than elongated members 306 and 216. The length of
elongated members 214 and 302 may correspond to the length of golf
cart 200 while the length of elongated members 216 and 306 may
correspond to the width of golf cart 200. The length of golf cart
200 may be longer than the width of golf cart 200.
[0071] FIG. 4 shows a top view of metal fixture 212. Metal fixture
212 may include elongated members 214, 216, 302 and 306, as shown
and described in connection with FIG. 3. Metal fixture 212 may also
include corner members 218, 220, 222 and 304. It should be noted
that the width of elongated members 214, 216, 302 and 306 may be
marginally wider than corner members 218, 220, 222 and 304.
[0072] FIG. 5 shows a side view of metal fixture 212. Metal fixture
212 may include elongated members 214, 216 and 306. Corner member
220 may join elongated member 214 to elongated member 216. Corner
member 218 may join elongated member 214 to elongated member 306.
It should be appreciated that corner members 218 and 220 may be
smaller in height than elongated members 214, 216 and 306.
[0073] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of elongated member 214.
Elongated member 214 may include cavity 602. Cavity 602 may be
configured to hold a portion of a corner member, such as corner
member 218, as shown in FIG. 5.
[0074] Elongated member 214 may also include keyway 604. Keyway 604
may be configured to mate with a key. The key may be appended to an
accessory, such as accessory 224, shown in FIG. 2.
[0075] Elongated member 214 may also include housing 606. Housing
606 may surround slot 610. Housing 606 may be rounded. The rounded
housing may enable a rounded bead to mate with slot 610.
[0076] Elongated member 214 may also include housing 608. Housing
608 may surround slot 612. Housing 608 may be rounded. The rounded
housing may enable a rounded bead to mate with slot 612.
[0077] FIG. 7 shows elongated member 214. Accessory 224 may be
engaged in keyway 604 of elongated member 214. Elongated member 214
may include housing 606. Housing 606 may surround slot 610. Bead
714 may be rounded to mate with slot 610. Bead 714 may be attached
to golf cart enclosure 712 utilizing stitches 716, bonding (not
shown) or any other suitable adhesive material. Accessory 224 may
be positioned inside of golf cart enclosure 712. Positioning
accessory 224 inside golf cart enclosure 712 may enable a user to
utilize accessory 224 while the golf cart enclosure is in use.
Positioning accessory 224 inside golf cart enclosure 712 may also
provide a protection to accessory 224 in the event of rain or other
inclement weather.
[0078] FIG. 8 shows elongated member 214. Elongated member 214 may
include housing 608. Housing 608 may surround slot 612. Bead 802
may be rounded to mate with slot 612. Bead 802 may be attached to
golf cart valance 806 utilizing stitches 804, bonding (not shown)
or any other suitable adhesive material. Golf cart valance 806 may
lay on top of golf cart enclosure 712. Therefore, golf cart valance
806 may be viewable from outside golf cart 200.
[0079] FIG. 9 shows a top view of corner member 220.
[0080] FIG. 10 shows a top perspective view of corner member 220.
Corner member 220 may include sections 1002, 1004 and 1006. It
should be appreciated that section 1002 may be taller than sections
1004 and 1006.
[0081] FIG. 11 shows a bottom perspective view of corner member
220. It should be appreciated that section 1002 is wider than
sections 1004 and 1006.
[0082] FIG. 12 shows a side view of a right bottom view of corner
member 220. Section 1002 may have a width of A. Section 1006 may
have a width of B. The difference between the width of A and B may
be C. Section 1202 may be a portion of 1002 that continues into
section 1004 (shown in FIG. 11).
[0083] FIG. 13 shows a side view of a left bottom view of corner
member 220. Section 1002 may have a width of A. Section 1004 may
have a width of B. The difference between the width of A and B may
be C. Section 1302 may be a portion of 1002 that continues into
section 1006 (shown in FIG. 12).
[0084] FIG. 14 shows bottom view of corner member 220 inserted into
elongated members 216 and 214. Section 1004 may be smaller in
height than section 1002, as discussed in connection with FIGS.
9-13. Section 1004 may be inserted into cavity 602. Section 1002
may not be inserted into cavity 602. The height of section 1002 may
block section 1002 from entering cavity 602. Elongated member 216
may include cavity 1402. Section 1006 may be inserted into cavity
1402. Section 1002 may not be inserted into cavity 602. The height
of section 1002 may block section 1002 from entering cavity 1402.
The height of corner member 220 may be smaller than the height of
elongated members 214 and 216, as discussed in connection with FIG.
5. It should be appreciated that bottom portion 1404 and bottom
portion 1406 may be open when corner member 220 is engaged in
elongated members 214 and 216. Leaving bottom portions 1404 and
1406 open may enable access to bottom portions 1404 and 1406 while
corner member 220 is engaged in elongated members 214 and 216.
[0085] FIG. 15 shows a top view of corner member 220 engaged in
elongated members 214 and 216.
[0086] FIG. 16 shows an exploded view of corner member 220 and
elongated members 214 and 216. Section 1004 may be configured to be
inserted into cavity 602 of elongated member 214. Section 1006 may
be configured to be inserted into cavity 1402 of elongated member
216. Section 1002 may be blocked from being inserted into cavities
1402 and 602 because of the height discrepancy discussed above in
connection with FIG. 14.
[0087] FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of elongated member
214. Elongated member 214 may include cavity 602, keyway 604,
housing 606, slot 610, housing 608 and slot 612, all of which have
been described in connection with FIG. 6. Keyway 604 may include
protrusions 1704 and 1702. Protrusions 1704 and 1702 may enable an
accessory to be secured into keyway 604. Protrusions 1704 and 1702
may also block the accessory from falling out of keyway 604.
Protrusions 1704 and 1702 may also enable the accessory to bear
weight because even in the event that a user tugs on the accessory,
protrusions 1704 and 1702 block the accessory from coming out of
keyway 604. Each of housing 606 and 608 may open at an opening. The
opening may enable a bead to be inserted into the housing. The
opening may also enable the attached valance or golf cart enclosure
to continue through the opening. The opening may be large enough to
enable a bead to snap into the housing. The opening may be small
enough to ensure that a bead inserted into the housing is
maintained within the housing and does not disengage from the
housing without effort.
[0088] FIG. 18A shows a perspective view of accessory 224.
Accessory 224 may be a handle. Accessory 224 may include key
portion 1802. Key portion 1802 may mate with keyway 604, as shown
in FIG. 17. Accessory 224 may include neck portion 1804. Neck
portion 1804 may enable accessory 224 to contour to protrusions
1702 and 1704, shown in FIG. 17. Accessory 224 may include handle
portion 1806. Handle portion 1806 may enable a user to use
accessory 224. Accessory 224 may include hole 1808. Hole 1808 may
enable a user to place his or her hand through handle portion 1806.
Accessory 224 may include screw hole 1810. Screw hole 1810 may
accommodate a hex-bolt or any other suitable screw.
[0089] It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, a
plurality of screws may be used. Therefore a plurality of screw
holes may be used. It should also be appreciated that, in some
embodiments, the screw hole(s) may continue through the accessory.
This may enable a user to easily screw or unscrew the accessory. In
some embodiments, an angled screwdriver or screwdriver attachment
may be used to screw in the screws. This may be helpful when the
clearance for the screwdriver is limited. It should also be
appreciated that, in some embodiments, the screw hole(s) may be
positioned on an angle other than ninety degrees to the keyway in
order to enable a user to easily access the screw hole.
[0090] FIG. 18B shows a cutaway view along the line designated in
FIG. 18 for FIG. 18B. Screw 1812 may be inserted into screw hole
1810. Screw 1812, when screwed into screw 1810, may secure
accessory 224 to the top of keyway 604, as shown in FIG. 17.
[0091] FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of accessory 1900.
Accessory 1900 may be a handle. Accessory 1900 may include key
portion 1902. Key portion 1902 may mate with keyway 604, as shown
in FIG. 17. Accessory 1900 may include handle portion 1904. Handle
portion 1904 may enable a user to use accessory 1904. Accessory
1900 may include hole 1906. Hole 1906 may enable a user to place
his or her hand through handle 1906. It should be noted that
accessory 1900 does not include a neck portion. This may be because
handle portion 1906 is thinner than handle portion 1806, shown in
FIG. 18A.
[0092] FIG. 20A shows accessory 2000. Accessory 2000 may include
key portion 2002 and LED light bank 2004. Key portion 2002 may mate
with keyway 604, as shown in FIG. 17. LED light bank 2004 may
provide light. Accessory 2000 may also include a switch (not shown)
to power on and off LED light bank 2004.
[0093] FIG. 20B shows a bottom view along the line designated in
FIG. 20 for FIG. 20B. In some embodiments, LED light bank 2004 may
protrude from key portion 2002. In some embodiments, an LED light
bank may be flush with a key portion of an accessory.
[0094] FIG. 21 shows accessory 1900 being inserted into keyway 604,
which is included in elongated member 214.
[0095] FIG. 22 shows accessory 2200 completely engaged with keyway
604, which is included in elongated member 214.
[0096] FIG. 23 shows a cutaway view of elongated member 214 with
exemplary measurements. Length D may be approximately 1.856 inches.
Length E may be approximately 0.06 inches. Length F may be
approximately 0.915 inches. Length G may be approximately 1.159
inches. Length H may be approximately 1.736 inches. Length I may be
approximately 0.792 inches. Length J may be approximately 1.1021
inches. Length K may be approximately 0.099 inches. Length L may be
approximately 0.213 inches. Length M may be approximately 0.260
inches. Length N may be approximately 0.390 inches. Length O may be
approximately 0.591 inches. Radius P may be approximately 0.188
inches. Radius Q may be approximately 0.188 inches. Length R may be
approximately 0.472 inches. Length S may be approximately 1.004
inches.
[0097] FIG. 24 shows a top view of corner member 220 with exemplary
measurements. Length T may be approximately 1.50 inches. Length U
may be approximately 4.01 inches. Length V may be approximately
1.74 inches. Length W may be approximately 5.51 inches. Radius X
may be approximately 4.24 inches. Radius Y may be approximately
5.98 inches
[0098] FIG. 25 shows corner member 220 inserted into elongated
member 214 with exemplary measurements. Length Z, which may define
the space within cavity 602 which is not filled by corner member
220, may be approximately 0.20 inches.
[0099] FIG. 26 shows elongated member 216 with exemplary
measurements. Elongated member 216 may be shorter than elongated
member 214, as discussed above in connection with FIG. 3. Length AA
may be approximately 35 inches.
[0100] FIG. 27 shows elongated member 214 with exemplary
measurements. Elongated member 214 may be longer than elongated
member 216, as discussed above in connection with FIG. 3. Length BB
may be approximately 71.5 inches.
[0101] FIG. 28 shows metal fixture 212 with exemplary measurements.
Length CC may be approximately 79.65 inches. Length DD may be
approximately 43.14 inches.
[0102] Thus, methods and apparatus for a track-based accessory
system for use with a golf cart have been provided. Persons skilled
in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be
practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are
presented for purposes of illustration rather than of limitation.
The present invention is limited only by the claims that
follow.
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